Before you install Windows Server 2008 R2 with Service Pack 1, follow the steps in this section to prepare for the installation.

Ensure that your hard drive has enough free space for the installation. Allow at least 3.3 GB for x64-based computers and 2.8 GB for Itanium-based computers. If you have installed language packs, additional disk space may be required.

Use an administrator account. Log on to your computer using an administrator account, make sure all other users are logged off the computer, and close all open programs.

Disconnect UPS devices. If you have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to your destination computer, disconnect the serial cable before installing the Service Pack. Setup automatically attempts to detect devices that are connected to serial ports, and UPS equipment can cause issues with the detection process.

Ensure availability of power. If you’re using a laptop computer, connect it to an AC electrical outlet and don’t unplug or restart the computer during installation.

Update any device drivers as necessary. You can do this by using Windows Update in Control Panel, or by going to the device manufacturer’s website.

Back up your servers. Your backup should include all data and configuration information that is necessary for the computer to function. It is important to perform a backup of configuration information for servers, especially those that provide network infrastructure, such as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers. When you perform the backup, be sure to include the boot and system partitions and the system state data. Another way to back up configuration information is to create a backup set for Automated System Recovery.

Disable your virus protection software. Virus protection software can interfere with installation. For example, it can make installation much slower by scanning every file that is copied locally to your computer.